Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Doctors Nationwide Commence Indefinite Strike Action!

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Monday, announced plan to embark on an indefinite strike, starting from Tuesday (today)
The NMA President, Dr Kayode Obembe,
who made the announcement at a news conference in Abuja, said that the
decision followed the expiration of a two-week ultimatum it gave the
Federal Government to meet its 24-point demand.

Obembe, said they opted for a “total and indefinite strike” at an
emergency delegates meeting held on June 28, after negotiations with the
Federal Government failed to
yield relevant results. “The NMA is taking this painful route because
our silence and gentle approach to these contending issues have been
taken for granted. We have to take this action in order to save the health care delivery system from anarchy that is palpably imminent.”

He appealed for understanding, and called on Nigerians to prevail on
the government to meet the demands which include reserving the position
of chief medical director to only medical doctors, appointment of
Surgeon General of the Federation, passage of National Health Bill and providing security for doctors.

Others include, increase in duty, hazard and specialist allowances, as well as budget for residency training programme.
The NMA equally demanded for the establishment of health trust fund, according to them, it will enhance the upgrading of all hospitals in Nigeria and among others.